Video tag layout

ABSTRACT

A first method utilizes placeholder tags to facilitate a user&#39;s adding a tag to a video scene during a production process of a video. The tag is associated with an item depicted in the video and characterized by size, shape, temporal duration, and spatial location properties with respect to the video scene. A second method facilitates a user&#39;s customizing a video scene during a production process of a video, wherein computer-generated graphic content (logo or brand name for the tagged item) is overlaid on the item depicted in the video and associated with the tag. A third method facilitates a user to add a tag to a video scene during a production process of a video, where the video scene is related to another video scene associated with the video, and the method stores data associated with said another video scene to note the tag.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/778,004, filed on Jul. 13, 2007, entitled “VIDEO TAG LAYOUT,” nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,609,260. The entire disclosures of the foregoing patentapplication is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, a video tag layout tool is provided. During aproduction process for a video, such as when a digital video disk (DVD)or a video for broadcast is produced, video tags may be input intoportions of the video. The video tags may provide information aboutitems that are visible during video playback. The video tags canidentify the brand name, item name, location where the item can bepurchased, additional information about the item, etc. The tags can beturned on and off by the viewer or user during playback.

To provide the information in the video tags, an interface can be usedby a user to input information about the video tag. During theproduction process, the interface may be used to indicate that a user(e.g., a sponsor) is interested in a video tag shown in a videosequence. For example, during shooting of the video, an interface may beused to input that a user is interested in a tag and also to indicatewhich information is desired for the tag. This allows users to indicateinterest in sponsoring (e.g., purchasing) video tags before the finalvideo is produced. Thus, producers of the video can see how much revenuecan be derived from video tags if certain scenes or items are used inthe video.

In one embodiment, a portion of a video sequence is displayed on aninterface. A video tag is also displayed in the portion of the videosequence. In one embodiment, the video tag is a placeholder tag thatshows where the tag would be displayed in the portion of the videosequence. An input area is then displayed that allows input of taginformation for the video tag. For example, the user may specify whatkind of tag they would like and also any information that can bedisplayed for the tag. For example, the user may specify that they wouldlike the tag to be a text tag that includes the logo of the company.

A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of particularembodiments disclosed herein may be realized by reference of theremaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a display of an image with tags added to the imageaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an interface for allowing a specification ofa video tag layout according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of a production process according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a table that shows a summary of taggeditems according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a system that may be used to input taginformation according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a simplified flowchart of a method forproviding a video tag layout according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, the video playback is via a Digital Video Disc (DVD)player or through a set top box. A multi-angle feature of the player isused to allow a viewer to switch between tagged and non-tagged playback.In normal, non-tagged, playback the tags are not visible and an originalvideo sequence (e.g., a television program, movie, etc.) is playednormally. When a viewer presses a button a new video sequence thatincludes tags is selected. The new video sequence is synchronized to theoriginal video sequence so that the effect is that the tags appear overthe continuous action of the original video sequence. The viewer canturn off the tags by selecting the original sequence. Other embodimentsdescribed herein use different mechanisms for playback to achieve thesame or similar effect.

Tags can be organized and displayed according to categories such asDesign, Gadgets, Scene, etc. The Design category displays tags that dealwith fashion, interior/exterior decorating, architecture, art, andsimilar types of items. The Gadgets category includes electronics,appliances, cars, etc. The Scene category provides information oncolors, furniture, plants, locations, climate, etc. Other categories canbe created, as desired. Tags of a specific category can be selected forindependent display. Or categories can be combined to display tags frommultiple categories on a same display.

FIG. 1 shows a display of an image with tags added to the imageaccording to one embodiment. In one embodiment, a user can selectwhether tags are displayed or not by using a user input device. Forexample, if the user is watching a video played back on a television viaa DVD player or a cable box then the user can press a button on a remotecontrol device to cause the tags to be displayed on a currently runningvideo. Similarly, the user can deselect, or turn off, the tag display bydepressing the same or a different button. If the user is watching videoplayback on a computer system a keyboard keypress can cause the tags toturn on or off. Or a mouse selection of an on-screen button or commandcan be used. Other embodiments can use any other suitable control forinvoking tag displays. Displaying of tags can be automated as where auser decides to watch a show without tags for a first time and thenautomatically replay the show with tags a second time.

In FIG. 1, each tag is shown with a text box and lead line. The text boxincludes information relevant to an item that is pointed at by the leadline. For example, tag 110 states “Botmax Bluetooth Wireless Earphone”with a lead line pointing to the earphone that is in the ear of thewoman who is the subject of the scene. Thus, a viewer who is interestedin such things can obtain enough information from the tag to find aseller of the earphone. Or the viewer can do an online search for theearphone by manufacturer and/or model name and can obtain moreinformation about the earphone as research prior to making a purchase.

Other tags such as 120, 122, and 124 provide information about otheritems in the frame. Tag 120 states “Filo Armlight www.filolights.com” topoint out the manufacturer (“Filo”) and model (“Armlight”) and website(www.filolights.com) relating to the light to which tag 120 is connectedvia its lead line. Tags can include any type of interesting or usefulinformation about an item or about other characteristics of the imageframe or video scene to which the image frame belongs.

Tag 122 points to the laptop on which the woman is typing and states“PowerLook Laptop I Orange Computers, Inc.” This shows the model andmanufacturer of the laptop. Tag 124 points to the pencil holder andreads “Stylelt Mahogany pencil cup.” Note that more, less or differentinformation can be included in each tag, as desired, by the company thatis managing the tag advertising (“tagvertising”) of the particular videocontent.

Information for the tags is received from users to generate the videotags shown in the final video as seen in FIG. 1. The users may bereferred to as sponsors and may purchase the tags for the rights todisplay information in them. The purchase may be for a monetary value orfor any other consideration, such as the use of products in the video,free advertising for the video, etc. Particular embodiments allow asponsor to specify tag information during a production process. Thisallows a video tag layout to be generated through the different stagesof producing a video.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an interface 200 for allowing a specificationof a video tag layout according to one embodiment. As shown, video tags202 are provided in image 201. Video tags 202 do not include taginformation until video tag information is received from a user. Forexample, video tags 202-2, 202-3, and 202-4 do not include any taginformation. These tags may be considered placeholder tags, which showwhere a possible video tag may be inserted in image 201.

In one embodiment, tags 202 are available for a user to purchase orsponsor, and interface 200 may be used to indicate an interest in thepurchase. A tag information input box 204 is provided to allow a user tospecify tag information for tags 202. Although box 204 is provided, itwill be understood that other methods of inputting tag information willbe appreciated. For example, a user may use another interface to inputtag information.

The tag information may be any characteristics for a tag, such as thekind of tag, text for the tag, a logo for the tag, etc. Input box 204provides various input areas where information for characteristics ofthe tag can be specified. For example, an area 214 indicates which itemis currently being selected for tag 202. In this case, the laptop tag202-1 has been selected.

In area 216, the type of tag can be selected. The choices here are atext only tag, a text and logo tag, and a logo only tag. Other types oftags may also be provided.

An area 218 allows the user to enter text for the tag. In this case, theuser has entered “Powerlook Laptop, Orange Computers, Inc.” This textthen appears in video tag 202-1. The text may appear in tag 202 inreal-time as the user types in the text or after the user finishestyping. Thus, the video tag 202 may be formatted for a user to see howit looks in image 201.

An upload logo option 220 allows a user to upload a logo. For example, acompany logo may be uploaded from the Internet or storage.

Particular embodiments allow a user to see how the tag will be used inthe scene. This may allow a user to see the context of how the tag oritem is used in image 201, which may be important. For example, if oneitem in the scene is something that will cause a user to display tags,then it may be desirable to have a tag 202 in that scene. In oneexample, if a popular telephone appears in a scene, then having a tagfor another item in the scene may be valuable because it may be morelikely that a user decides to show the tags for that scene when thetelephone is shown. Thus, users can see the scene and then specify whichtags 202 are desired using interface 200.

Also, when viewing a scene, a user can see how an item is beingportrayed. For example, if the scene involves two people falling inlove, then that may be a better scene to have an item than if the peopleare fighting. Thus, interface 200 allows the user to see the context ofhow tags are going to be portrayed in the scene.

A cost area 222 shows an estimate of the cost of the tags. The cost ofthe tags may be computed in real-time as the tag information is input.For example, a user can change from a text only tag to a text and logotag, and see the cost change. The cost may be estimated based on anumber of factors. For example, a value of the tag may be assigned basedon the context or item it is associated with.

Interface 200 may be used during a production process for the video.FIG. 3 depicts an example of a production process according to oneembodiment. It will be recognized that variations in the productionprocess will be appreciated. During each stage, interface 200 may beaccessed to input tag information for tags 202.

As shown in FIG. 3, the various different stages of the productionprocess include a pre-production stage and script stage 302. FIG. 3 isbut one possible selection and illustration of stages in a productionprocess. Various features of the invention can be adapted for use withany suitable presently known or future-developed production,post-production, distribution, release or other stages in the life of avideo clip or production. In stage 302, the script is written andrevised. During this time, tag information for video tags may be inputfor items. For example, interface 200 may be used to input the taginformation for items found in the script. In one example, when taginformation is input, it may appear in a column in the script. In thiscase, someone reading the script can see that a user has requestedsponsorship for a tag in the script. Thus, before the video is evenshot, the tags may be sponsored. This may allow a director to see whichscenes in the script have been deemed valuable by sponsors.

In one embodiment, interface 200 may be used to generate the taginformation for tags in the script. Although FIG. 2 shows an image ofvideo, the image could be an electronic copy of the script. In this casethe tag information may be input in a column of an electronic copy ofthe script.

In a shooting stage 304, scenes or parts of scenes defined by the scriptare shot. The shooting may include many different takes. Also, each day,dailies are produced that include the video that was shot for the day.Interface 200 may be used to specify which tags a user is interested infor any of the takes. As dailies are produced, a user may use interface200 to review the dailies or other portions of visual content beingcreated and input tag information for tags 202 onto or in associationwith the content.

In an editing stage 306, the video shot is edited into the final video.During this time, the final edit may be performed and then users mayknow which scenes are in the final video. Interface 200 may then be usedto finalize the tag information for tags 202.

In a post-production stage 308, color, effects, and other features ofthe video may be adjusted. At this time, interface 200 may also be usedto input tag information. Also, a computer graphics insertion step maybe provided. When the video is shot, one may not know who wants tosponsor the item. Accordingly, the item may be shot without any notionof a brand. For example, the item may not be company specific. Computergraphics insertion may be used to excise the name for an item and toinsert a new name in place of the old name. Thus, any brand can tag anitem. Also, generic items may be used in the video. Thus, if a firstcompany tags an item, that company's name may be inserted onto a genericitem. It should be noted that computer graphics insertion may beperformed at other stages, such as post-production stage 308, DVDauthoring stage 310, etc.

After the post-production stage 308, a DVD authoring stage 310 ordigital broadcast stage 312 is performed. DVD authoring stage 310authors a DVD 314. The DVD may be played on a DVD player 318. Broadcaststage 312 broadcasts the video through a network, such as a cable orsatellite network. The video may go through a set top box 314 and isdisplayed on a display device 316, such as a television. Also, tags maybe inserted into the video through set top box 314, DVD player 318, oranother computing device during playback of the video.

Referring back to FIG. 2, elements of interface 200 may be used duringthe stages described above. For example, a clips entry box 206 showsvarious clips in the video. These clips may be provided from shootingstage 304 (e.g., the dailies). As shown, different takes are provided,such as an “In Car 1” clip, an “In Car 2” clip, and an “In Car 3” clip.Thus, three takes of a scene in a car may have been taken. Users mayselect one of these clips and specify tag information for a tag 202 inthe clips.

When a clip is selected in clip entry box 206, the items in the clip maybe tagged. For example, a tagged items entry box 208 displays thepossible items in a clip selected in clips entry box 206. Tagged itemsentry box 208 may then be used to select an item in image 201. Thus,when one of the clips is selected, an item can be selected in taggeditems entry box 208.

As stages in the production process proceed, the information in clipsentry box 206 and tagged entry box 208 may change. However, taginformation may persist even if the items in scenes change or scenes aredeleted or not used. For example, if the user has specified a desire fora tag in the clip “In Car 1”, but that clip does not make it into thefinal cut, the tag may be moved into the final scene that makes it intothe video such as the clip “In Car 2”. The user who wanted the tag maybe notified that the tag has been moved and be given a choice to notsponsor the tag. The transfer of the tag may be performed automaticallyby linking clips that are related. For example, all “In Car N” clips maybe linked. In another embodiment, inputting tag information for a tag inone clip may cause the information to be propagated to all relatedclips. This ensures that the tag information is in a tag if a take ofthe scene is used in the video.

When the user has specified the information for the tag, a total costfor all the tags a user has purchased may be shown in a price area 209.A control area 212 also allows the user to navigate through the video.For example, the user may fast forward, rewind, pause, and play thevideo. As the user navigates through the video, the clips highlighted inclips entry box 206 may change as the clips are viewed in interface 200.

During the production process, if it is decided that a clip willdefinitely be in the final edit, clip entry box 206 may provide anindication that the clip is final. This allows users to know for certainthat their tag would be in a clip that would definitely be shown in thevideo.

A tag overview area 210 shows all the tags a user has purchased. Also, atag overview for all the tags in the video may be provided. The tagoverview may also be filtered by sponsor, group of clips, etc. FIG. 4depicts an example of a table 400 that shows a summary of tagged itemsaccording to one embodiment. As shown, a tagged item column 402, a timeon screen column 404, a rating column 406 and a price column 408 areprovided.

Tagged item column 402 shows a list of tags in the video. Time on screencolumn 404 shows the time that the item is on the screen. For example, afirst cell phone, cell phone 1, is shown on the screen for 21 seconds.This allows the user to see how long a tag may be shown, which, ineffect, shows the amount of advertising time.

Rating column 404 shows a rating for the tag. This may be a rating thatvalues how important the tag may be with respect to other items. Forexample, a rating of 1 indicates that the item is considered the mostvaluable. This may factor into how much a tag for the item may cost. Theratings may be determined based on a number of factors. For example, howprominent the item is in the scene may be one factor. For example, if acell phone is being used by the main actor, this may provide a morefavorable rating. Also, if the item is in a scene with a desirable item,the item may be considered more valuable.

Price column 408 indicates the price for the tag. For example, dependingon the information desired in the tag and other factors, such as therating and time on screen, the price may be determined. The price mayalso vary based on the type of tag, such as a text only tag may costless than a text and logo tag.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a system 500 that may be used to input taginformation according to one embodiment. As shown, a user device 502, anetwork 504 and a server 506 are provided. User device 502 may be anycomputing device, such as a personal computer, laptop computer, cellularphone, etc. Interface 200 may be shown on computer 502. For example, aweb page 508 may be displayed that includes interface 200.

User device 502 interacts with server 506 to download information forinterface 200. For example, the video sequence may be downloaded. Theuser may then enter tag information in interface 200. When the taginformation has been entered and is ready for submission, it may beuploaded to server 506 and is stored. Also, the tag information may bestored locally at user device 502 or in any other area. For example, thetag information may be forwarded to a tagging service that is handlingthe tagging service of the video sequence.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a simplified flowchart 600 of a method forproviding a video tag layout according to one embodiment. Step 602displays a portion of a video sequence on interface 200. The portion maybe an image or scene from the video sequence.

Step 604 displays video tags in a portion of the video sequence. Forexample, video tags that are available for purchase are displayed. Thelayout of the video tags is provided but until the video tags arepurchased, information in the video tags is not displayed. Rather, aplaceholder to show where the video tags would be displayed in theportion of the video sequence is shown. In other embodiments, exampletext or other information can be provided in the “blank” tags such as toshow how text size, font and layout might fit into the tag, to provideinformation such as the cost of the tag, estimated number of viewers,etc. Input area 202 is then provided to allow the input of taginformation for the video tag. Further areas described in FIG. 2 mayalso be displayed.

Step 606 then receives tag information from a user for the video tag.For example, the user may input which characteristics are desired for avideo tag.

Step 608 then outputs a price for the video tag. For example, particularembodiments calculate the price based on the tag information input.

Step 610 then stores the tag information for the video tag. For example,the tag information may be associated with the portion of the videosequence. Accordingly, when other users view the portion of the videosequence, they may see that a user has already indicated interest in atag. Thus, the second user may decide to try to outbid the user for thetag or may want to sponsor another tag in the portion of the videosequence.

Accordingly, particular embodiments allow the user to specify taginformation for tags 202 at any point in the production process. Thus,when content is shot, tag information may be specified in the dailies.Also, when a script is being written, tags may be specified in anelectronic version of the script, etc. The user can define the taginformation for the tag and see how the tag looks in the scene. Also,the owner of the video can see what tags have been purchased and maybase decisions on what to include in the video based on the taginformation. For example, if users have agreed to purchase a largenumber of tags in a scene, then a director may decide to keep that scenein the movie.

Although the description has been described with respect to particularembodiments thereof, these particular embodiments are merelyillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, although embodiments ofthe invention have been presented primarily in connection with standardmethods for video creation or production, any type of visualpresentation (e.g., animation, computer rendering, live action, etc.)and any manner of creating the visual presentation may be suitable withfeatures described herein.

Any suitable programming language can be used to implement the routinesof particular embodiments including C, C++, Java, assembly language,etc. Different programming techniques can be employed such as proceduralor object oriented. The routines can execute on a single processingdevice or multiple processors. Although the steps, operations, orcomputations may be presented in a specific order, this order may bechanged in different particular embodiments. In some particularembodiments, multiple steps shown as sequential in this specificationcan be performed at the same time. The sequence of operations describedherein can be interrupted, suspended, or otherwise controlled by anotherprocess, such as an operating system, kernel, etc. The routines canoperate in an operating system environment or as stand-alone routinesoccupying all, or a substantial part, of the system processing.Functions can be performed in hardware, software, or a combination ofboth. Unless otherwise stated, functions may also be performed manually,in whole or in part.

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, suchas examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of particular embodiments. One skilled in the relevant artwill recognize, however, that a particular embodiment can be practicedwithout one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus,systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or thelike. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, oroperations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoidobscuring aspects of particular embodiments.

A “computer-readable medium” for purposes of particular embodiments maybe any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, ortransport the program for use by or in connection with the instructionexecution system, apparatus, system, or device. The computer readablemedium can be, by way of example only but not by limitation, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, orsemiconductor system, apparatus, system, device, propagation medium, orcomputer memory.

Particular embodiments can be implemented in the form of control logicin software or hardware or a combination of both. The control logic,when executed by one or more processors, may be operable to perform thatwhat is described in particular embodiments.

A “processor” or “process” includes any human, hardware and/or softwaresystem, mechanism or component that processes data, signals, or otherinformation. A processor can include a system with a general-purposecentral processing unit, multiple processing units, dedicated circuitryfor achieving functionality, or other systems. Processing need not belimited to a geographic location, or have temporal limitations. Forexample, a processor can perform its functions in “real time,”“offline,” in a “batch mode,” etc. Portions of processing can beperformed at different times and at different locations, by different(or the same) processing systems.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, “a specific embodiment”, or “particular embodiment” meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the particular embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment and not necessarily in all particular embodiments. Thus,respective appearances of the phrases “in a particular embodiment”, “inan embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the sameembodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in anysuitable manner with one or more other particular embodiments. It is tobe understood that other variations and modifications of the particularembodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light ofthe teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit andscope.

Particular embodiments may be implemented by using a programmed generalpurpose digital computer, by using application specific integratedcircuits, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays,optical, chemical, biological, quantum or nanoengineered systems,components and mechanisms may be used. In general, the functions ofparticular embodiments can be achieved by any means as is known in theart. Distributed, networked systems, components, and/or circuits can beused. Communication, or transfer, of data may be wired, wireless, or byany other means.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted inthe drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated orintegrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certaincases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. It isalso within the spirit and scope to implement a program or code that canbe stored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to performany of the methods described above.

Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should beconsidered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwisespecifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein isgenerally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated.Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as beingnoted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability toseparate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,“a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein andthroughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated particular embodiments,including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosedherein. While specific particular embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope, asthose skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. Asindicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention inlight of the foregoing description of illustrated particular embodimentsand are to be included within the spirit and scope.

Thus, while the present invention has been described herein withreference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification,various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoingdisclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances somefeatures of particular embodiments will be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope andspirit as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit. Itis intended that the invention not be limited to the particular termsused in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosedas the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but thatthe invention will include any and all particular embodiments andequivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for facilitating a user to add atag to a video scene during a production process of a video, the methodcomprising: causing a video display device to display, during theproduction process of the video, the video scene with a set of at leastone placeholder tag appearing on the video during at least a portion ofthe video scene, wherein each placeholder tag is associated with an itemdepicted in the video, each placeholder tag initially having no content;receiving, from the user, a selection of one of the set of at least oneplaceholder tag, thereby resulting in a selected placeholder tagassociated with a selected item depicted in the video; receiving, fromthe user, input specifying a tag type for the selected placeholder tag,wherein the specified tag type is one of multiple different possible tagtypes, wherein the multiple different possible tag types comprisetext-only, logo-only, and text-and-logo tag types; receiving, from theuser, input specifying content for the selected placeholder tag; andreceiving, from the user, approval of the video scene with the selectedplaceholder tag, of the specified type, and having the specifiedcontent.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set of at leastone placeholder tag is overlaid on the video during at least a portionof the video scene.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the useris affiliated with a sponsor.
 4. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: providing an input area that allows the content specified bythe user to be input.
 5. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: causing the video display device to display a list of scenesavailable in the video; and receiving a selection of a scene from thelist of scenes, thereby resulting in the video scene.
 6. A methodaccording to claim 5, wherein a scene in the list of scenes is generatedfrom a production process for the video.
 7. A method according to claim1, wherein the method is performed before a DVD authoring stage.
 8. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein the method is performed before avideo broadcast stage.
 9. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: repeatedly previewing at least a portion of the video scenewith the selected placeholder tag overlaid on the video during at leasta portion of the video scene.
 10. A method according to claim 1, whereinthe content for the selected placeholder tag includes a computer graphicthat is associated with a brand.
 11. A method according to claim 1,wherein the tag type is a logo tag type, and the tag content is a logo.12. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: causing the videodisplay device to display a sponsorship value for the selectedplaceholder tag.
 13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising:calculating the sponsorship value for the selected tag.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the selected placeholder tag hasassociated with it a rating relative to other placeholder tags.
 15. Amethod according to claim 14, wherein the sponsorship value is based atleast in part on the rating.
 16. A method according to claim 12, whereineach placeholder tag is characterized by size, shape, temporal duration,and spatial location properties with respect to the video scene.
 17. Amethod according to claim 16, wherein the sponsorship value depends atleast in part on one or more of the associated items, the contentspecified by the user, and one of the tag's properties.
 18. A method forfacilitating a user to customize a video scene during a productionprocess of a video, the method comprising: causing a video displaydevice to display, during the production process of the video, the videoscene with at least one tag appearing on the video during at least aportion of the video scene, wherein the tag is associated with an itemdepicted in the video; receiving, from the user, input specifying a tagtype for a selected tag, wherein the specified tag type is one ofmultiple different possible tag types, wherein the multiple differentpossible tag types comprise text-only, logo-only, and text-and-logo tagtypes; receiving, from the user, input specifying content for theselected tag; and receiving, from the user, input specifyingcomputer-generated graphic content to appear on the item depicted in thevideo and associated with the selected tag, of the specified type, andhaving the specified content, wherein the computer-generated graphiccontent comprises one or more of a logo or brand name for the item. 19.A method according to claim 18, wherein said at least one tag isoverlaid on the video during at least a portion of the video scene. 20.A method according to claim 18, wherein the user is affiliated with asponsor.
 21. A method according to claim 18, further comprising:providing an input area that allows the content specified by the user tobe input.
 22. A method according to claim 18, further comprising:causing the video display device to display a list of scenes availablein the video; and receiving a selection of a scene from the list ofscenes, thereby resulting in the video scene.
 23. A method according toclaim 22, wherein a scene in the list of scenes is generated from aproduction process for the video.
 24. A method according to claim 18,wherein the method is performed before a DVD authoring stage.
 25. Amethod according to claim 18, wherein the method is performed before avideo broadcast stage.
 26. A method according to claim 18, furthercomprising: calculating a price for the selected tag.
 27. A methodaccording to claim 18, further comprising: repeatedly previewing atleast a portion of the video scene with the selected tag overlaid on thevideo during at least a portion of the video scene.
 28. A methodaccording to claim 18, wherein said at least one tag has associated withit a rating relative to tags on the video scene.
 29. A method accordingto claim 28, wherein the rating is based on relative prominence of saidat least one tag relative to other tags.
 30. A method according to claim28, wherein a sponsorship value for the at least one tag is based atleast in part on the rating.
 31. A method according to claim 18, whereinsaid at least one tag is characterized by size, shape, temporalduration, and spatial location properties with respect to the videoscene.
 32. A method according to claim 31, wherein a sponsorship valuefor said at least one tag depends at least in part on one or more of theassociated items, the content specified by the user, and one of thetag's properties.
 33. A method according to claim 18, wherein said atleast one tag is a placeholder tag initially having no content.
 34. Amethod according to claim 18, further comprising: receiving, from theuser, input specifying computer-generated graphic content to appear onthe item depicted in the video and associated with the selected tag, ofthe specified type, and having the specified content, wherein thecomputer-generated graphic content comprises one or more of a logo orbrand name for the item.
 35. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumon which are stored instructions executable by a processor operating inconjunction with a video display device to facilitate a user to add atag to a video scene during a production process of a video, theinstructions comprising: instructions to cause a video display device todisplay, during the production process of the video, the video scenewith a set of at least one placeholder tag appearing on the video duringat least a portion of the video scene, wherein each placeholder tag isassociated with an item depicted in the video, each placeholder taginitially having no content; instructions to receive, from the user, aselection of one of the set of at least one placeholder tags, therebyresulting in a selected placeholder tag associated with a selected itemdepicted in the video; instructions to receive, from the user, inputspecifying a tag type for the selected placeholder tag, wherein thespecified tag type is one of multiple different possible tag types,wherein the multiple different possible tag types comprise text-only,logo-only, and text-and-logo tag types; instructions to receive, fromthe user, input specifying content for the selected placeholder tag; andinstructions to receive, from the user, approval of the video scene withthe selected tag having its content.
 36. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium on which are stored instructions executable bya processor operating in conjunction with a video display device tofacilitate a user to customize a video scene during a production processof a video, the instructions causing the processor to execute a method,the method comprising: causing a video display device to display, duringthe production process of the video, the video scene with at least onetag appearing on the video during at least a portion of the video scene,wherein the tag is associated with an item depicted in the video;receiving, from the user, input specifying content for a selected tag;receiving, from the user, input specifying a tag type for the selectedtag, wherein the specified tag type is one of multiple differentpossible tag types, wherein the multiple different possible tag typescomprise text-only, logo-only, and text-and-logo tag types; andreceiving, from the user, input specifying computer-generated graphiccontent to appear on the item depicted in the video and associated withthe selected tag, wherein the computer-generated graphic contentcomprises a logo for the item.